How Can Therapy Help Me?

This is a very common question. There are a number of benefits to participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for a broad array of issues. Therapy can assist you with:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values.

• Developing skills for improving your relationships.

• Finding solutions to your issues or concerns.

• Helping you cope with stress, anger, or depression

• Improving communications and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Why Do People Go To Therapy And How Do I Know If It Is Right For Me?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.   Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stress well.  Some need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks.  Therapy can help provide encouragement and help with skills to get through these periods.  In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

What About Medication Vs. Psychotherapy?  

The long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that slow our progress. You can achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you. And, in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Does What We Talk About In Therapy Remain Confidential?

Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with the highly sensitive subject matter. This information is not discussed anywhere but in the therapist’s office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement. This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney). By law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

Do You Take Insurance, And How Does That Work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:

• What are my mental health benefits?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Do I Really Need Therapy?  I Can Usually Handle My Problems.  

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

What Is Therapy Like?

Therapy will be different depending on the individual.  However, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly). People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives and take responsibility for their lives.

What Should I Expect in Session?

Many people hold the notion that therapy must be a miserable, gloomy experience. While it is true the work we do together is serious and important, it can also be enjoyable. You can expect to feel safe and respected during sessions. We are working as a team to create meaningful solutions to improve your life. Therapy can be an empowering experience and one that leads to a healthier, happier you.